Saddleback College advances to regional final

Saddleback guard Miles Green goes up for a shot after driving past East L.A.'s Harris Mazen Javier during the second half of Wednesday's CCCAA Southern California Regional quarterfinal game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.

The Saddleback men's basketball team advanced to the California community college Athletic Association Southern California Regional finals on Wednesday night with a 56-46 win over East Los Angeles College at the Saddleback Gymnasium.

Saddleback (27-4) fought through an off night from the field but managed to play enough defense to advance in the playoffs. The Gauchos were just 3-of-20 from three-point range and shot only 36 percent from the field, but the defense was stellar and provided enough breathing room to grind out a win.

Saddleback led by seven at the half and extended the lead to 15 in the opening minutes of the second half. However, things cooled off dramatically and East L.A. clawed within six with a 9-0 run midway through the final period. The Gauchos then took control over the final six minutes, making most of their free throws as the Huskies ran out of gas. Saddleback's defense held East L.A. to 28 percent shooting for the night, blocking six Husky shots.

Saddleback received a strong second half from the trio of Miles Green, Josh Smith and A.J. Brevard. Green was a constant thorn in the side of East L.A., forcing a number of Husky turnovers while scoring five points in the second 20 minutes and finishing with nine rebounds.

Brevard scored 12 points on the night, finishing with eight in the second half with both Darnell Taylor and McKay LaSalle in foul trouble. Smith was a force underneath, finishing with 10 rebounds in the second half and scoring 12 points for the night.

For Saddleback, it was the 17th straight win dating back to mid-December. It is the longest winning streak for the program since winning 21 straight in 2001-02.

Saddleback will play Chaffey College in the regional finals on Saturday night at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Saddleback guard Miles Green goes up for a shot after driving past East L.A.'s Harris Mazen Javier during the second half of Wednesday's CCCAA Southern California Regional quarterfinal game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.

ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
East L.A. players Frankie Aguilar (2) and Jaree Crawford converge on Saddleback's Josh Smith under the basket as he looks to go up for a shot in the second half of Wednesday's CCCAA Southern California Regional quarterfinal game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
Saddleback guard McKay LaSalle passes while being harassed by East L.A.'s Aaron Cheatum during the second half of Wednesday's CCCAA Southern California Regional quarterfinal game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
Saddleback guard Darnell Taylor drives to the basket while being guarded by East L.A.'s Frankie Aguilar during the second half of Wednesday's CCCAA Southern California Regional quarterfinal game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
Saddleback guard Miles Green cannot believe he's just been called for a foul during Wednesday's CCCAA Southern California Regional quarterfinal game against East L.A. at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
Saddleback guard AJ Brevard goes up for a shot while being guarded by East L.A.'s Frankie Aguilar during the second half of Wednesday's CCCAA Southern California Regional quarterfinal game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
Saddleback guard Miles Green cheers as time begins to wind down on his team's victory over East L.A. in Wednesday's CCCAA Southern California Regional quarterfinal game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
Saddleback's Josh Smith (25) battles for an offensive rebound with East L.A.'s Jaree Crawford (22) and Chris Brown during the second half of Wednesday's CCCAA Southern California Regional quarterfinal game at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER

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